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July 17, 2008

Travel Fun

I am already delayed. Stuck in the Newark, NJ airport waiting for my plane to depart two hours later than scheduled. I made my husband get up at 4:15am to get me here on time! So sorry, honey.

I received an e-mail this morning from my good friend, Barb, who lives in San Francisco, saying that she might not be able to get together today after all. We had plans to meet up at the hotel and go out to dinner before the People's Party (oh, shit, I just read that post and I think I was supposed to RSVP) this evening. Now I will be arriving later and will probably be on my own for dinner.

I didn't see the kids this morning, but I talked to them on the phone. All is fine. They have a lot planned. Time with Grammy and probably their cousins. Maybe a trip to the beach. Scott has a birthday party to go to on Saturday. They'll barely notice I'm gone. Right?

I know it is good to get away. That we all need to realize that we can do it. If Scott's pjs aren't laid out or I'm not there to set Jane's bed up just so, it will be ok.

I tried to leave everything in order and write down as much as I could. Luckily, it is easy to reach me via phone and IM with Matt. A much as I did do, I am sure I forgot something. And I won't be there to hug and kiss everyone good night and good morning.

Last year I wrote this post about what I would and wouldn't miss about being away. I think I really needed the break then. This time, I don't feel the same way. I am enjoying my time with the kids. I like going to the pool with them and reading Harry Potter to Scott. Fixing up Jane's hair and giving her a starter push on the swing. This summer has been full of fabulous moments already and it is barely half over.

And I worry about setting Scott back. Causing him renewed anxiety as any change in routine seems to do. But one of the things I am working on right now is pushing him a little. Making him deal with these unexpected events. Each one a chance to be more flexible, to realize that he is alright. I've spent a lot of time avoiding this stuff so as not to cause him any additional problems. But by doing that I am shielding him from the opportunity to learn how capable he truly is.

As I embark on this year's journey, I will keep that in mind for myself as well. That stepping out of my comfort zone teaches me, too. That sometimes you just have to take chances.

Everything will be fine, Lori! With the kids, and with you. I am sure by now (3 days later) you have really enjoyed yourself and the kids have been having a great time. Time away is really difficult. I hate it most of the time. But it can be good for everybody. It always makes me appreciate my children and my husband that much more.

Hey! I figured I'd finally post something since the people that usually do are probably with you right now not posting. So glad to hear that you're getting to go to blogher again this year. Hope you have fun, get rejuvinated, and stay on your feet [instead of on your face :)]. Can't wait to hear all about it! P.S. By the way, it warms my heart to no end to think of you finally enjoying summer! I've told you all along it was a great season. Happy you're finally coming around.